West Bank: Israel Must Abide by International Humanitarian Law

13/9/2018

ICRC News Release

13 September 2018

West Bank: Israel Must Abide by International Humanitarian Law

Jerusalem/Tel Aviv (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is deeply concerned by Israel’s decision to demolish private houses and other structures in Khan al Ahmar village in Area C of the West Bank.

“The planned demolitions will dramatically affect the lives and dignity of this community,” said David Quesne, Head of ICRC Mission in Jerusalem. “As long as zoning and planning policies in the West Bank fail to serve the population living under occupation, they cannot be used as justification for destruction of property.”

As the Occupying Power in the West Bank, Israel is bound by the International Humanitarian Law. It has a duty to ensure the protection, security, and welfare of the people living under occupation and to guarantee that they can live as normal a life as possible, in accordance with their own laws, culture, and traditions.

About

The ICRC started work in Israel and the occupied territories in 1948, following the first Israeli-Arab conflict. Its presence became permanent in the aftermath of the 1967 war. The organization focuses on the protection of civilians and the welfare of detainees held in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention, and helps the most vulnerable. The ICRC supports the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the Magen David Adom (the Israeli National Society).